Oregon Code § 466.640·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Strict
liability for spill or release; exceptions.
(1) Any person owning or having control over any oil
or hazardous material spilled or released or threatening to spill or release
shall be strictly liable without regard to fault for the spill or release or
threatened spill or release. However, in any action to recover damages, the
person shall be relieved from strict liability without regard to fault if the
person can prove that the spill or release of oil or hazardous material was
caused by:
(a) An act of war
or sabotage or an act of God.
(b) Negligence on
the part of the United States Government or the State of Oregon.
(c) An act or
omission of a third party without regard to whether any such act or omission
was or was not negligent.
(2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section:
(a) A person who
has entered into, and is in compliance with, an administrative agreement under
ORS 465.327 is not liable to the State of Oregon for any spill or release of
oil or hazardous material at a facility that is subject to ORS 465.200 to
465.485 existing as of the date of the persons acquisition of ownership or
operation of the facility, to the extent provided in ORS 465.327.
(b) A person who
has entered into, and is in compliance with, a judicial consent judgment or an
administrative consent order under ORS 465.327 is not liable to the State of
Oregon or any person for any spill or release of oil or hazardous material at a
facility that is subject to ORS 465.200 to 465.485 existing as of the date of
the persons acquisition of ownership or operation of the facility, to the
extent provided in ORS 465.327.
(c) An authority
created under ORS 465.600 to 465.621 is not liable to the State of Oregon or
any person for any spill or release of oil or hazardous material at a facility
that is subject to ORS 465.200 to 465.485 existing as of the date of the
authoritys acquisition of ownership or operation of the facility, to the
extent provided in ORS 465.327 for a person that has entered into, and is in
compliance with, an administrative agreement, judicial consent judgment or an
administrative consent order. [1985 c.733 §8; 2011 c.487 §3; 2015 c.631 §10]
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Strict
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Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 466.640
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
This section of Oregon law addresses Strict
. Read the full statute text above for details.
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